2005 Dodge Neon Sxt-Shifting/slight knocking noise issues

WDKHILD

MEMBER
2005 DODGE NEON
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
68,000 MILES

Brother bought the car new, hardly drove, we bought it in aug. Last year. Never had a problem with it til 2 weeks ago, thought had fixed the issue but is kinda worse and doinbg the same thing. Ill explain. I have noticed take off, or slowing down the 1st and 2nd gears was off abit (it would***** you a little bit forward. 2 weeks ago it was "rainy" morning. I dropped my son off. Coasted to the stop sign 15 mph, it******* me into 1 st gear and won't come out(engine light on). Turned the engine off and back on. Shifting was fine but light was on. Let it sit 2 hours had b/f reset the light by removingbattery cable. After 2 hours stopped at light, took off and it shifted to second*******) and stayed til I turn the engine off again and back on. Engine light still on but shifting fine. I got a free diagnostic, said "Solenoid". Talked With Ammaco, by time I let it sit for 2 hours again, the engine light went off. Took it anyway. Test drive it came back, said it had a slight shifting 1st and 2nd gears, torque converter wasn't getting enough power from fluids to make it get up and go properly, to change the Solenoid. Ok. Went to pick it up he said he had broken part of the connector that plugs into it and had fixed it to the point I didn't have to buy a harness for it. Ran really better for 2 weeks, til it rained 2 days ago, b/f comes back that morning from work had no trouble, I take it go 3 miles again to light and, take off it is in 1 st gear and light comes on. After class, over 1 hour, I take it back to ammaco, dianostic said Solenoid. I go with him for a drive. Has it plugged in and nothing happens, drizzling now.

Take it back I asked?S about wiring, transmission senors or others? Might be getting wet (to short.) He couldn't tell me nothing much at that point. I get 2 miles down the road, (40-45 mph) I hear the faint knocking sound(passenger side floor board) Im like what is that? The car flips into neutral, I slow down it slams into 1st gear.
I automaticlly take it back, he puts it back on the machine, and it reads po760. Take it to the deal he said it might be the Control module. OK. Told b/f not to drive it to work on the interstate it might happen to him since im the only one that is experiencing this issue. IT DOWN POORS when he leaves. 30 mins later, he said he had it about 80mph and it went to neutral. NO knocking sounds. Stayed in neutral til he turn it off and back on. I just took it to a dodge dealer 3-11-11. Short reading, po700-po760, test drove, sprayed with water. (Check engine was still on when I took it there).

They told me that the Solenoid connector has a bolt hold it in place. OH MY GOSH, what the heck was Ammaco thinking,

transmission fluid looked a little dirty, never had it changed, it has 68,000 on it now. Want to charge 200.00. Also could be helpful when drained to see if the is debrie in fluid, see if this is causing the issue as well.

They said the slight shifting issue between 1st and 2nd can be resolved by doing an upgrade scan on computer.
They cant diagnose the real problem because it has to be running and in that stuck gear.

I was thinking thatthe harness, the connector of that harness isn't connecting good causing computer to have these codes.

They didn't eliberate on the torque converter. Was is this, is that the knocking sound?
Will changing the fuild make a huge differnce?
The scan onthe computer.
They said at this point they do not think its the Control MODULE. Where do I find another wiring harness for the Solenoid to price it in case to change it?

What do you think all together? Im not experienced with automatics and newer cars.

5 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

The right answer is it's a known problem and a PCM reflash is supposed to fix it. Did you get this done? Here's the bulletin:
FLASH - ROUGH OR SHUDDER ON 1 -2 UPSHIFT
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
Reference Number(s): 21-001-06, Date of Issue: January 14, 2006
Related Ref Number(s): 21-001-06
ARTICLE BEGINNING
SUBJECT:
Flash - Rough or Shudder On 1-2 Upshift
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves verifying the 2-4 clutch volume index is over 20 and if necessary selectively
erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software and
performing a TCM Quicklearn.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Vehicle may exhibit roughness or shudder on a 1-2 upshift.
DIAGNOSIS:
Using a Scan Tool (DRBIII(R)) with the appropriate diagnostic procedures available on
TechCONNECT, verify all transmission systems are functioning as designed. If DTCs are present,
record them on the repair order and repair as necessary before proceeding further with this bulletin.
If the customer describes the Symptom/Condition is present, perform the Repair Procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
Press Ctrl+F to find exact text
CHRYSLER:2005 (PL) Neon
GROUP:
Transmission
NOTE:
THE DRBIII(R) FLASH FILES FOR THIS BULLETIN ARE AVAILABLE ON
DealerCONNECT.
FOR MARKETS OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA, THE
FLASH FILES AND REPROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE
AVAILABLE ON ITIL/ISIS DVD MARCH, 2006.
NOTE:
This bulletin applies to all 2005 PL vehicles equipped with a 2.0L
engine (sales code ECB) and a automatic transmission (sales code
DGL).
PARTS DESCRIPTION
SPECIAL TOOLS/EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
SPECIAL TOOLS DESCRIPTION
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
1. Using the DRBIII(R) read the transmission sensor 2-4 CL Vol Index value. Is the index value
20 or below?
? Yes, proceed to Step #2.
? No, this bulletin does not apply.
2. Before beginning the reprogramming procedure, remove any old flash reprogramming files
from the DRBIII(R) memory. To clear the memory from the MAIN MENU:
a. Simultaneously press the "MORE" and "YES" keys.
B. A screen will appear requesting a "COLD BOOT".
C. Follow the on screen instructions by selecting the "F4" key.
D. When the DRB III(R) reboots to the MAIN MENU, proceed to Step #3
3. With the ignition switch in the "RUN" position, determine the original part number of the PCM
currently in the vehicle. Using the DRBIII(R) select:
a. "DRBIII(R) Standalone"
b. "1998-2005 Diagnostics"
c. "All (Except Below)"
d. "Engine"
e. "Module Display"
f. Record the "PCM part #" on the repair order for later reference.
Qty.
Part No.
Description
1
04275086AB
Label, Authorized Modification
NPN
Battery Charger
CH2002
General Purpose Interface Bus Cable Assembly
CH6000A
Scan Tool (DRBIII(R))
CH7000A/7001A
J1962 Cable with red DRBIII(R) connector

TechCONNECT Workstation
NOTE:
An updated J1962 cable has been released. This cable has a red
colored connector at the DRBIII(R) connection. Use this cable
whenever a flash is being performed.
NOTE:
Whenever a controller is programmed, the software in the DRBIII
(R); must be programmed with the latest revision level available.
NOTE:
If this flash process is interrupted/aborted, the flash should be
restarted and then follow the directions on the DRBIII(R).
MOD=TSBART&YEAR=20.
4. Connect the DRBIII(R) to TechCONNECT. Open TechTOOLS and verify that the "DRBIII(R)
Status: Connected" message is in the upper right corner of the TechTOOLS screen.
5. Enter the "PCM part #" recorded in Step #3 in the "Parts Criteria" area and select "Show
Updates". TechTOOLS will populate the appropriate calibration.
6. Select the calibration.
7. Select the "DRBIII" radio button which is next to the "Download/Update" button.
8. Select the "Download/Update" button.
9. Monitor the "Flash Download/Update Progress" window on the TechCONNECT and follow
the instructions on TechCONNECT. When the flash process is complete, proceed to Step #10.
10. Disconnect the DRBIII(R) from TechCONNECT.
11. Open the hood, install a battery charger and verify that charging rate provides approximately
13.5 volts.
12. Connect the DRBIII(R) to the vehicle.
13. Download the flash from the DRBIII(R) to the vehicle. Using the DRBIII(R) select:
a. "Vehicle Flash"
b. Follow the directions on the DRBIII(R) screen. When the flash process is complete,
proceed to Step #14.
14. Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Modification Label" p/n 04275086AB and
attach near the VECI label (Fig. 1).
15. Using the DRBIII(R) perform the TCM Quicklearn procedure.
Fig. 1: Authorized Modification Label
POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
TIME ALLOWANCE:
TIME ALLOWANCE
NOTE:
Due to the PCM programming procedure, a DTC may be set in
other modules (TCM, BCM, MIC, SKIM, etc.) Within the vehicle, if
so equipped. Some DTC's may cause the MIL to illuminate. Check
all modules using "Module Scan", record the DTC's, and erase
these DTC's prior to returning the vehicle to the customer. Erase
any DTC's in the PCM only after all other modules have had their
DTC's erased.
NOTE:
The following step is required by law.
Labor Operation No:
Description
Amount
18-19-06-13
Reprogram Powertrain Control Module and perform
Quicklearn Procedure
0.7 Hrs.
FAILURE CODE:
FAILURE CODE
ZZ
Service Action